As more information becomes available, this story will continue to evolve and be updated.
On Wednesday, DraftKings Casino made history as the inaugural legal online casino in West Virginia.
DraftKings has elevated its online sports betting collaboration with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races to a higher level. Alongside utilizing the DraftKings betting app to access the casino, customers now have the option to play on the newly launched standalone casino app.
A statement regarding the launch was issued by John Myers, the Director of the West Virginia Lottery.
“We have dedicated a significant amount of effort and planning throughout the past year, and we are eagerly awaiting the licensing and approval of our remaining casinos and their affiliated providers once they are prepared.”
Joining Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, West Virginia has now become the fourth state to provide online casino gambling.
About the DraftKings Casino app
Both iOS and Android users can access DraftKings WV Casino. This online casino app provides a wide range of casino games that can also be found in traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.
- Blackjack
- Three Card Poker
- Keno
Although online slots have not been introduced yet, it is highly likely that they will be available soon. The company’s press release does not provide any information about upcoming games, but the absence of a five-card-draw style poker option will undoubtedly create a demand for it among gamblers in WV.
The initial unveiling of the online casino app was provided by State Del. Shawn Fluharty.
DraftKings Casino in West Virginia joins NJ and PA
In March 2019, the WV Lottery Interactive Wagering Act was enacted into law without the signature or veto of Gov. Jim Justice. Subsequently, the responsibility of developing regulations and the licensing procedure was assigned to the lottery.
Myers sought advice from Pennsylvania as the lottery was commencing.
Myers expressed his satisfaction with the progress of establishing regulations in December 2019 after his meeting with officials from PA, as reported by WV Metro News.
“We are set up in a way that feels very familiar, which is quite comforting. It has boosted our confidence and reassured us that we are on the right path.”
DraftKings Casino has already been launched in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. While DraftKings may have been the pioneer, it is evident that more online casinos will follow suit in the future.
Other casino brands on the horizon for West Virginians
Flutter and MGM, two well-established online sports betting platforms in West Virginia, have already gained popularity among residents and visitors. As such, it is recommended that people keep an eye out for three additional online casino platforms offered by these companies.
Flutter is the owner of FanDuel, a company that has a market access agreement for the state of West Virginia with The Greenbrier Casino Club located in White Sulphur Springs. Additionally, FanDuel operates a casino product under the same name in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
If DraftKings decides to give up the market for five-card poker games in WV, PokerStars, which is owned by Flutter and well-known among video poker players, could effortlessly become the dominant force in that specific niche within the state.
However, BetMGM could potentially have a different perspective on this matter. Similar to Flutter, it offers an online casino platform in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Additionally, it shares a sports betting partnership with The Greenbrier.
DraftKings currently holds a dominant position in the market, but this may not last indefinitely. Consequently, DraftKings is under pressure to capitalize on its advantage before it potentially diminishes.
Benefits of being the first to market
Having already established its brand in WV, DraftKings’ current focus lies in raising awareness among West Virginians regarding its casino offerings.
Existing DraftKings Sportsbook customers can anticipate a robust marketing campaign that includes enticing promotions to encourage them to explore the product further. For those already using the DraftKings app, adapting to these offers will be a breeze due to the familiar branding and user interface.
What adds to the convenience is that existing DraftKings users in WV do not need to create new accounts to enjoy casino games. They simply need to log in using their current credentials and can continue using the same funding sources.
DraftKings, as the pioneer in the market, has the advantage of shaping the expectations of individuals in WV. In essence, since there are currently no rivals, DraftKings does not need to be concerned about customers perceiving any other brand as superior in any aspect.
Since the launch, DraftKings has experienced a positive impact, with its stock increasing by three points following the announcement on Wednesday. If DraftKings manages to capitalize on its early advantage and secure a dominant market share, it can expect a further rise in its stock.
Even though there will be multiple operators in the market, providing a competitive environment for gamblers in WV, there had to be a pioneer. Now, it is up to those initial players to determine whether DraftKings’ online casino lives up to its hype.
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